The Ambush at Makokan’s Home

The Deer King

The journey to investigate the Kinma Handlers ends in an ambush that brings Makokan face-to-face with the family past he has avoided.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Approaching the Clan City Approaching the Clan City from "The Deer King". A Home in Sight Memory returns Makokan recognizes the route toward his clan city and resents having to return.

Approaching the Clan City from "The Deer King". A Home in Sight Memory returns Makokan recognizes the route toward his clan city and resents having to return.

A Home in Sight Memory returns Makokan recognizes the route toward his clan city and resents having to return. Familiar birds and paths awaken grief for the family he left behind. Hohsalle’s suspicion Hohsalle points out that Makokan once failed to mention the possibility of handlers directing the animals. His teasing carries a serious question about what Makokan knows and why.

The Dogs Appear The Dogs Appear from "The Deer King". A Roadside Trap Surrounded without warning A pack of dogs emerges from the underbrush as Makokan and Hohsalle near the clan city.

The Dogs Appear from "The Deer King". A Roadside Trap Surrounded without warning A pack of dogs emerges from the underbrush as Makokan and Hohsalle near the clan city.

A Roadside Trap Surrounded without warning A pack of dogs emerges from the underbrush as Makokan and Hohsalle near the clan city. Before they can respond, hidden assailants strike them with blow darts. The inquiry is interrupted The ambush suggests that someone is prepared to prevent their investigation. Makokan loses consciousness before learning who has arranged it or what has happened to Hohsalle.

Ilia at the Door Ilia at the Door from "The Deer King". The Past Returns A sister’s face Makokan wakes bound in a woodshed and sees his sister Ilia enter.

The Past Returns A sister’s face Makokan wakes bound in a woodshed and sees his sister Ilia enter. The sight connects the present danger to the family tragedy that drove him into exile. A new reckoning begins The available narrative ends at recognition, before Ilia explains her role or Makokan learns Hohsalle’s fate. The investigation has become inseparable from Makokan’s personal history.

Winter, during the investigation

Near the mountain settlement

After Makokan regains consciousness